Durham, NC Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Durham, NC

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Durham crime rate is 72.3% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Durham, there were 1968 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 687 per 100,000 individuals, 85.8% higher than the national average. Additionally, Durham recorded 9498 property crimes, amounting to 3317 per 100,000 residents, 69.7% higher than the U.S. average.

With a total of 4004 crimes per 100,000 people, the Durham crime rates stand at 72.27 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Durham, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Durham ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Durham, there were a total of 42 murders, translating to 15 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Durham?

AreaVibes surveyed 316 local residents in Durham to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 24% of people answered that there was very little crime in Durham and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 76% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Durham a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Durham is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Durham has a total crime rate that is 72% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 31.41 daily crimes (5.39 violent daily crimes and 26.02 daily property crimes) in Durham.

Has Crime in Durham Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Durham has decreased by 3.1%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Durham, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 8.9%, while property crime has decreased by 1.8%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Durham is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Durham

In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Durham currently has an unemployment rate of 3.3%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

Durham has a population density of 2433.9 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Durham crime rates.

Durham has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.82 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.

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